NOTE: Please check with each race directly for their COVID-19 plans as they may be postponing, offering deferrals, refunds or moving to virtual races. Same for in-store events and training programs for Big River. Due to the quickly changing nature of this situation, the most up-to-date information may not be reflected here. Please be understanding and patient with our community’s race directors and program/event coordinators. We are all doing the best we can in these challenging circumstances.

While many people training for a half or full marathon focus on long runs and the endurance aspect of training, speed and pace work play a very important role and should not be overlooked! This Training Team season we are offering the option to participate in a structured weekly speed workout with the guidance of a coach. The workouts are designed specifically to improve performance for runners training for the half and full marathon distance. It’s much more fun to do speedwork with a group!

Wednesday Workouts will go from January 15 – March 18.
We will meet at Francis Park in South City. Warm up will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the workout starting at 6:45 p.m.
FREE for anyone who signs up for Training Team!

Training Team Swag

Pace Groups

We have a pace for everyone, including walkers and walk/run! On Sunday mornings, we run in groups based on pace, not distance. Pace should be training pace (long run pace), not race pace. Although everyone in your group will run a similar pace, people will be running different distances.

We offer paces from 8:00 all the way to a walk group. Note: R/W means run/walk. Each run/walk group varies their intervals but averages the listed pace.

FREE

Weekly paced group run

Weekly newsletter email

Suggested Sunday long run mileage

Wednesday Workouts

Silver Level

Customized Training Plan ($50)

Weekly paced group run

Weekly newsletter email

Silver Level Customized Training Plan

Written for your specific race

Individualized paces

Individualized workouts

Specific daily mileage plan

Unlimited communication with your coach (email)

Wednesday Workouts

Gold Level

Customized Training Plan + Coaching Session ($100)

Weekly paced group run

Weekly newsletter email

Gold Level Customized Training Plan

60 minute one-on-one coaching session

Written for your specific race

Individualized paces

Individualized workouts

Specific daily mileage plan

Unlimited communication with your coach (phone, text, email, etc.)

Wednesday Workouts

Bryan Traughber

1993 – The year I found my passion for running. During my freshman year of high school, I decided to join the De Smet Jesuit High School track and field team. I initially intended to only run one high school season in preparation for wrestling, but quickly found myself enjoying the challenge of running. What started out as a 12 week commitment to the track and field team ended up as a 4 year high school career. I steadily improved over the course of 4 years of high school and ended up being a varsity runner during my last two seasons. While I was never the fastest runner on the team, it quickly became an important part of my life. I enjoyed the challenge and the constant pursuit of a new personal best. I ran occasionally while attending Truman State University but I took a break from serious training. I returned to the world of distance running in 2001 when I was hired as a teacher and coach at my alma mater, De Smet Jesuit High School. For the last 16+ years, I have had the honor to coach Cross Country and Track & Field. The relationships I build with the athletes year after year drive my passion for running.

Over the last several years, I have had the privilege to work with the Big River Training Team and thoroughly enjoyed coaching dozens of Training Team members. My experience as a runner, both in high school and over the last 15 years of road racing, enable me to help Big River’s Training Team excel. Throughout my running career, I have completed numerous 5ks, 10ks, and half marathons and eight marathons with my time ranging from 4:25 in my first ever marathon to my current PR, 3:11. I plan to apply the extensive knowledge and experience I have learned from my own racing to my work as a coach. I am thoroughly committed to helping my clients meet their running goals.

Bryan can provide training plans and on a case by case basis, one-on-one coaching.

Jim Helton

Jim has been a runner for 45 years, starting on a 440 yard cinder track back in the day, running countless 5k,10k and half marathons, and earning a Boston Qualifying 3:22 marathon at age 50. Jim came to Big River upon retiring from a career in education. He spent 17 years in northern Illinois teaching/coaching Track and Cross Country, where teams produced numerous “personal bests,” state championships and all-state runners. After moving to southern Illinois, he finished up his career in education as a principal for eight years and then as a district superintendent for nine years.

A family man, Jim has been married for 38 years and has three “running” children and two grandchildren (who run for play!). He currently calls Edwardsville, Illinois home and has had the opportunity to attend every Track and Field Olympic Trials since 1988, a tradition shared with his children. Jim is excited about working with clients of all fitness levels achieve their goals through Big River Personal Coaching.
Jim earned USATF Level1 and Level 2/Endurance coaching certifications and can provide training plans and one on one personal coaching sessions.

We meet for group runs/walks every Sunday at 7:00 am beginning July 9 and going into the end of September to help you prepare for the your fall full or half marathon. Our goal race is The Great GO! Halloween Half. You can still train with the team even if this is not your goal race.

*If you are a first-time/beginner marathoner and would like advice on how to properly build up to 6-8 miles so you can begin running with Training Team, email info@bigriverrunning.com. We’re here to help!

One-on-one sessions could include learning to improve your running mechanics, learning appropriate workouts such as speed work, tempo running, hill workouts, etc., discussing race strategy and race day preparation, instruction on strength training and flexibility exercises or simply having a support system present with you with a stop watch as you complete a hard workout!

Unlimited communication with your coach

“Pay as you go” Coaching Sessions – $50 – two 30 minute sessions or 1 hour-long session. Offered only for BRPC clients who have purchased a training plan and want ad hoc support during the training cycle or for one-on-one clients who want support but are in between phases.

Individualized Training Plans

Six Week Plan – $7512 Week Training Plan – $150

Includes:

Initial goal setting meeting with your coach.

Personalized plan written for YOU based on your running goals/fitness level.

Unlimited communication with your coach.

*NOTE: If your running plans don’t fit into a 6 or 12 week time frame, we offer training plans of any length at a prorated/adjusted cost (max of 16 weeks).

Technology

Big River Running Company is one of the first retailers in the country to use a state-of-the-art digital foot scanner developed in Germany. Our staff uses this best-in-class technology to further assess pressure points, degree of pronation and potential support needs that can differ for each customer. Our multi-faceted fitting approach supported by technology helps us find a shoe solution perfect for you!

In addition, Big River carries brands who are leaders in incorporating the latest technology into their footwear and apparel. The products we carry are meant to help optimize your performance and comfort.

Coaches

Big River Personal Coaching supports Big River’s Training Team, lead by head coach Bryan Traughber. Their support, guidance and motivation can help you achieve your goals!

Merchandise

Keep cool in style with these custom designed technical, moisture wicking running hats (BOCO brand)! Hats will be able to be purchased through Training Team registration only. We have limited quantities available and they’ll be available for pick up July 30.

Benefits

We Care About You (No, Really) – Your health and wellness is at the core of everything we do. For more than 10 years, it is our greatest pleasure to serve the St. Louis community one fit at a time. Our team of knowledgeable Fit Specialists provide efficient, friendly service at a high standard that is unparallel to other retail experiences. The benefits of going to Big River are that you’ll be cared for by our team and become a part of a greater community that supports and encourages you, always.

Nothing But the Best – When your health is on the line, we don’t mess around. We’ve curated a broad selection of shoe styles from the highest quality brands known for performance, comfort, and style. Our apparel, gear, and accessories are equally top-notch and we continue to search and share new rave-worthy products to meet our customers needs.

Community

One way we service our customers is through our robust Community programs. We connect our knowledge and passion for living a healthy, active lifestyle with St. Louis community members and the response is truly amazing! We’ve hosted more than 1,500 runs with more than 20,000 program participants since we opened our doors. Big River has always been more than a place to shop. It’s a place to gather, learn, run, train, socialize and become part of a something bigger than yourself. That’s Big River Nation. We want you to join us.